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Erco Gen 2 Highlights
With the complete reprogramming of the ERCO software combined with crucial changes to the analog circuitry, we are introducing a new and better ERCO. The ERCO Gen 2 brings our entry-level DAC one step closer to the performance level of WANDLA, our flagship converter.
We have even developed a program for existing ERCO owners to upgrade their devices to the new ERCO Gen 2 specifications. Click here for more information about the update program. So what have we improved?
Improvements that ERCO Gen 2 brings with it
The I/V converter stage has better overall performance, the DAC chip and DSP engine are larger and capable of emulating WANDLA performance, including the preferred HQ apodizing digital filter DDF. Last but not least, the maximum resolution is now PCM 768kHz and DSD512.
Proprietary technology
Industry-leading technology is used. All digital ports are optimized for audio, MQA decoding and rendering are optimized for use with the internal ARM chip.
Suitable for high-end audio
Connect your favorite headphones to the balanced 4.4 mm jack or unbalanced 6.35 mm headphone outputs or the active speakers on your desk to the XLR or RCA outputs so that they can develop their full power .
Free path for high-end audio
Perfect mix of Ferrum flagship technology and high-quality, self-developed digital-to-analog conversion. Choose from three digital and one analog input.
Discrete/IC hybrid structure
Ultra-wideband ICs optimized for audio to achieve the best possible analog quality.
Increased transparency
The entire design is aimed at a balanced and very transparent sound signature, so tiredness while listening is a thing of the past.
Completely symmetrical
The signal path is truly symmetrical from the early D/A stage and becomes truly symmetrical via the RCA inputs.
Ferrum Power Link
ERCO delivers very, very good results even when delivered. But ERCO is designed in such a way that it can achieve even more in conjunction with HYPSOS. We use our Ferrum Power Link (FPL for short) to connect the two. HYPSOS then reaches its maximum performance and, in combination with ERCO, unleashes unheard-of musicality.
"The name ERCO (not airco, but ˈert͡pronounced like this) is Esperanto for ore. We chose the name based on its creator Ludwik Lejzer Zamenhof, who lived near our office in Warsaw.
Zamenhof began developing Esperanto in his childhood, when he was still at school, striving for peace in the world in which a language should bring people together. We want to achieve the same through pure and honest music reproduction. Ultimately, it brings peace to the mind."
Founder and CEO HEM Marcin Hamerla, Founder and CEO HEM
Unique output cable design
Two wires providing power and two wires providing feedback to ensure consistent voltage at all times.We called this technique Ferrum Power Link (FPL), and it eliminates the damaging effects of cable resistance and improves transient response. The current delivery speed at the input of the powered device is significantly improved.
ERCO Gen2 comes with a carefully selected DC adapter. To get the most out of ERCO Gen2, you can connect it to HYPSOS via our proprietary Ferrum Power Link DC power cable. This FPL cable can be ordered separately.
Specifications
- Headphone output gain: balanced -5.8 dB, +6 dB, +17.8 dB; single ended -11.8 dB, 0 dB, +11.8 dB
- Operation: fully balanced, proprietary IC power amplifier
- Power inputs: 5.5/2.5mm DC connector, center positive; Proprietary 4-pin FPL DC power connector (FPL)
- Analog inputs: RCA (REDbook level 2 V RMS recommended, PRO level supported)
- Digital inputs: USB-C (MQA, up to PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, DoP256); S/PDIF coaxial (MQA, up to PCM 24-bit/192 kHz, DoP64); S/PDIF optical (MQA, guaranteed up to PCM 24-bit/96 kHz, should work up to PCM 24-bit/192 kHz and DoP64 - depending on the user's optical cable and transmitter)
- DAC chip: ESS Saber ES9028PRO
- PCM sampling rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 352.8 / 384 / 705.6 / 768 kHz
- DSD sampling rates: 2.8224 / 3.072 / 5.6448 / 6.144 / 11.2896 / 12.288 / 22.5792 / 24.576 MHz
- DAC resolution: PCM up to 768k@32bit; DSD up to 512 (22.6 MHz / 24.6 MHz)
- MQA: Decoder and renderer (USB, OPTO and COAX inputs)
- Headphone outputs: balanced 4.4 mm (TRRRS); unbalanced 6.35 mm (TRS)
- Line outputs: balanced XLR; unbalanced RCA (both REDbook levels: 4V RMS bal./2V RMS unbal.)
- Volume control: analog with bypass option (bypass only for line outputs)
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 30 kHz (+/- 0.05 dB); 10 Hz - > 200 kHz (+/- 1 dB)
- Output power unbalanced: 300 mW at 300 Ω; 1.7W at 50Ω
- Output power balanced: 1.2 W at 300 Ω; 6.1W at 50Ω
- THD at balanced output: < 0.00018% / -115 dB, 1 mW at 16 Ω; <0.00018% / -115 dB, 100 mW at 16 Ω
- THD on unbalanced output: < 0.00032% / -110 dB, 1 mW at 16 Ω; <0.00057% / -105 dB, 100 mW at 16 Ω
- Analog dynamic range: 130 dB (A-weighted)
- Dynamic range digital: 120 dB (A-weighted)
- Input impedance: 47 kΩ
- Output impedance unbalanced: 22 Ω at the preamplifier
- Output impedance symmetrical: 44 Ω at the preamplifier
- Headphone output impedance: < 0.3 Ω
- Power consumption: idle <15 W
- Power adapter: 100-240 VAC to 22-30 VDC
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 21.7 cm x 20.6 cm x 5 cm / 8.6" x 8.1" x 2.0"
- Weight: 1.8 kg / 3.97 lbs
